Many babies can walk with assistance and even stand independently by the 12th month (1). And, gross motor activities for toddlers can further boost their growth and development. In other words, gross motor abilities require the use of large muscles or the entire body. Indulging children in gross motor exercises is also a fun approach to exercise their muscles and promote growth. Keep reading for some engaging gross motor activities for toddlers.
What Are Gross Motor Skills?
Gross motor skills are the movements made with the large muscles of arms and legs (2). These skills help a child walk, run, jump, and throw an object. A gross motor activity aims at improving these skills, and aids in subsequent development.
15 Best Gross Motor Activities For Toddler
1. Obstacle course
This is an elaborate motor skill activity that little ones can play indoors. It works best for younger toddlers who are still crawling. You will need:
A play tunnel A few pillows or cushions A small play tent Colored paper Chart paper
How to: Gross motor skills developed: Crawling.
2. Leap over the box
Older toddlers would love walking around practicing their new-found skill – jumping! You will need:
Five to six small cardboard boxes, such as shoe boxes Paints and brushes
How to: Gross motor skills developed: Standing, walking
3. Pillow throw
You can play this anytime, although it would be most fun right before bedtime. You will need:
Six to seven small pillows A laundry basket
How to: You can place the basket at a place where it is easiest for him to throw the pillows. Gross motor skills developed: Crawling, sitting, and throwing
4. Cleaning up the room
Did you know, cleaning up the room can be an excellent gross and fine motor skill activity for the toddler? You will need:
All of the toddler’s toys and other household items A laundry basket
How to: Gross motor skills developed: Walking, standing
5. Walking the line
Let the toddler develop his walking skills with this indoor motor activity. You will need:
Colored ribbon Cello tape
How to: Gross motor skills developed: Body balance while walking
6. Bubble through the loop
Watching soap bubbles is even more fun when you have to guide them through a hula hoop. You will need:
Soap bubble maker Hula hoop
How to: Gross motor skills developed: Coordination of various muscles of the body, movement-vision coordination
7. Play hopscotch
It is a classic gross motor activity game for toddlers, enjoyed even today. You will need:
Sidewalk/Pavement chalk
How to: Gross motor skills developed: Standing, hopping
8. Walk on the bubble wrap
What is more fun than bursting bubble wrap? Stomping them with tiny feet! You will need:
Large bubble wrap sheet or multiple bubble wrap sheets
How to: Gross motor skills developed: Sensory feeling when moving
9. Pushing the toy
A push toy like a car or cart is the easiest tool for polishing your toddler’s gross motor skills. It is best suited for younger toddlers who have just learned to stand straight and are taking their first steps. You will need:
A push car or a wheeled push toy with a sturdy handle
How to: Gross motor skills developed: Balancing the body while walking, Cruising – walking with support
10. Tricycle riding
Most toddlers own a tricycle and love riding them too. Here is an activity that you can try using your toddler’s favorite toy – his tricycle. You will need:
Crayons Several pieces of cardboard Tricycle
How to: Skills developed: Vision-movement coordination
11. Frisbee catch practice
A Frisbee is an excellent toy to make your toddler move around a bit. You will need:
Frisbee A partner
How to: Gross motor skills developed: Running, object tracking and movement coordination
12. Musical chairs
Musical chairs are not just meant for birthday parties. They can be a great way to exercise a toddler’s motor skills. You will need: Several toddler chairs How to: Gross motor skills developed: Listening-movement coordination
13. Toddler ninja
Your toddler uses all his stealth skills to escape the alarm string and reach his objective. You will need:
A thick string like a rope Several household objects
How to: Skills developed: Multiple gross motor skills like crawling, squatting, walking, and stepping over things.
14. Dance and stop
Dance is always good to exercise the body and is also an excellent way to polish gross motor reflexes. You will need:
A group of toddlers A partner
How to:
15. Roll the ball
Rolling the ball around the house can be fun for a toddler who just mastered walking. You will need:
A large exercise ball
How to: Gross motor skills developed: Pushing objects while walking
